Looking for a pre-emission ~ 50HP tractor, so no later than 2014. I had been focused on the L series, ie L4400, L4600, etc, but read somewhere that the M may be less complex and/or stronger. Is this true? Would love to hear pros/cons of the two series. TIA
L vs M/MX Series
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Good question. Myriad of things, definitely loader work. I load and unload or move stuff around a decent amount. I want to use a Belltec hydraulic auger so rear remotes would be added if not there already. Mowing and clearing some brush with a 5 or 6 foot brush hog and/flail mower. Box blade/ gravel leveler. When needed, using a Pto generator, it’s 10kw.
I asked for help from Grok. It appears there aren't any MX models without DPFs.
Recommendations
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Recommendations
- If you want compact size (~45 HP) without DPF: Go with L4400 or L4600 (L4600 is slightly newer/refined, often preferred for availability/condition in used market).
- If you need more power/heavier frame without DPF: Look for used pre-2013 M Series (e.g., M5040 ~50 HP, M6040 ~60 HP, M7040 ~70 HP). These are step-up utility tractors with better hydraulics/lift for serious work.
- MX Series: Generally not recommended if avoiding DPF—most have it for Tier 4 Final compliance.
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There are MX that are pre emissions. Most say pre emissions as pre DPF but some mean pre emissions as no EGR either so there’s that.
MX models that are pre DPF are MX4700, MX5000, MX5000SU, MX5100.
Im seeing more and more people on forums using AI to answer questions and then post the answers. All AI does is a search and put together an answer. Problem is when AI searches its own wrong answers and just reuses them.
I’ve had a L and now have a MX and M. The M is definitely the heaviest and can lift the most, at the most height also. But I also have a truck and trailer to be able to transport the M so take that into consideration.
The newest pre DPF M series is almost 12 years old now. If I found one that was in good shape and good price I wouldn't turn down one with a DPF.
MX models that are pre DPF are MX4700, MX5000, MX5000SU, MX5100.
Im seeing more and more people on forums using AI to answer questions and then post the answers. All AI does is a search and put together an answer. Problem is when AI searches its own wrong answers and just reuses them.
I’ve had a L and now have a MX and M. The M is definitely the heaviest and can lift the most, at the most height also. But I also have a truck and trailer to be able to transport the M so take that into consideration.
The newest pre DPF M series is almost 12 years old now. If I found one that was in good shape and good price I wouldn't turn down one with a DPF.
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in this case, the answer is correct. I asked about DPFs. If you think only DEF matters, that’s fine. But a different question.
Edited my post. Diesel exhaust fluid is only above 75hp so not relevant to these models anyway.
The answer you posted from AI is not correct as I listed several models of MX that do not have DPF’s.
There are new tractors that don't use DPF at 75hp or less out there like JD or CNH they are using a DOC system that eliminates the regen of a DPF. The JD 5067E is a nice machine that should handle the stuff you mentioned you wanted to do. I'm retired now and only have a CNH machine 75hp that uses the DOC it's like having a catalytic converter type system to be Tier IV compliant and works very well. For what it's worth I never had any problems with the Kubotas I ran with the DPF systems.
I said "It appears there aren't any MX models without DPFs." I was wrong. My excuse ... middle of the night.
It was right. Grox said .... most. It said ...
- MX Series: Generally not recommended if avoiding DPF—most have it for Tier 4 Final compliance.
Answering the OP's questions, from my own head (and therefore probably no more reliable than AI.....)
1. Yes, an M is a stronger machine than an L, they're two sizes up in frame.
2. They also don't come with an HST, which is a pro or a con depending on what you're doing. Unless you need the additional capacity of an M, I personally would prefer an HST, given you mention a lot of loader work. But that's a religious debate, and plenty on here don't like HSTs
3. I don't think the M is less complex than an L. The L is an economy machine (if you're looking at the standard L, rather than the Grand L), and mechanically reasonably simple. The M is a bigger machine with more stuff going on. Still not complex as such, but definitely more features.
4. The MX is the machine in between - the sizing goes LX, then L, then Grand L (a -40 or -60 L series), then MX, then M. The MX is as big as you can go with an HST. I think MX is a more recent addition to the lineup, first made in 201x I think. Whereas the L and M have been made for 20-30 years in one form or another.
In short, for me, the M is a bigger machine with more features. Often a shuttle shift, usually will have hydraulic outlets, often a more complex 3ph with features like draft control. Usually cat 2 3ph I think. None of that is bad, it's just a lot more machine than an L. I'd recommend working out what size machine you need (or want), then buy that. I wouldn't choose between an L and an M based on perceived complexity.
1. Yes, an M is a stronger machine than an L, they're two sizes up in frame.
2. They also don't come with an HST, which is a pro or a con depending on what you're doing. Unless you need the additional capacity of an M, I personally would prefer an HST, given you mention a lot of loader work. But that's a religious debate, and plenty on here don't like HSTs
3. I don't think the M is less complex than an L. The L is an economy machine (if you're looking at the standard L, rather than the Grand L), and mechanically reasonably simple. The M is a bigger machine with more stuff going on. Still not complex as such, but definitely more features.
4. The MX is the machine in between - the sizing goes LX, then L, then Grand L (a -40 or -60 L series), then MX, then M. The MX is as big as you can go with an HST. I think MX is a more recent addition to the lineup, first made in 201x I think. Whereas the L and M have been made for 20-30 years in one form or another.
In short, for me, the M is a bigger machine with more features. Often a shuttle shift, usually will have hydraulic outlets, often a more complex 3ph with features like draft control. Usually cat 2 3ph I think. None of that is bad, it's just a lot more machine than an L. I'd recommend working out what size machine you need (or want), then buy that. I wouldn't choose between an L and an M based on perceived complexity.